Do You Only Surround Yourself with Like-Minded Individuals?

by Kori Rodley Irons | More from this Blogger

17 Apr 2008 09:53 AM

Recently, I heard someone ask a question of a group of people and then add the clarifying caveat: "I don't want to hear from those of you who have different opinions; I only want suggestions from like-minded individuals." I could not help but wonder what was the point? I mean, how can only hearing from those who parrot your opinions be helpful in problem-solving, brainstorming, or even figuring out what is the best way to take your business? While having like-minded sorts around us can make us feel safer and more comfortable in our thinking, is that really the best thing for our businesses (or our selves)?

There has to be a balance. We DO need those folks who have similar values and ideas about things to a certain point. I know that in my personal life, I like to have a little challenge but sometimes I want to be able to relax and not have to defend my point of view all of the time. It is the same in my business operations, although I have found that new ideas, challenging the status quo and hearing from other factions can really benefit my business. After all, how can I generate any growth if I just keep rehashing and redoing the same things over and over again?

What are you doing with your home business operations? Are you opening yourself up to some ideas that might be new or uncomfortable to you? Of course, you do not have to do anything that you do not believe in, but sometimes it helps hearing from those others in order to figure out exactly what we DO believe in. Differing opinions can be just the thing to help us feel more confident about the direction we have chosen to go. So, if you only interact with "like-minded" individuals, you might consider shaking things up a bit.

Also: How Important Are Other People's Opinions in Your Decisions?

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